Optimizing pairing of a wireless power transmission system with a wireless power receiver client

ABSTRACT

Described herein are embodiments of apparatuses and methods for optimizing pairing of a wireless power transmission system (WPTS) with a wireless power receiver client (WPRC) in a localized system. A current WPTS-WPRC pairing and at least one alternate WPTS-WPRC pairing are assessed and the WPTS-WPRC pairing is updated based on associated pairing quality metrics. In this way, a system of many WPTSs and WPRCs will approach an Epsilon equilibrium such that no WPRC would be significantly better served by being paired with a different WPTS.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/251,160, filed Jan. 18, 2019, which is incorporated by reference asif fully set forth.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The embodiments described herein are improvements in the coordination ofmultiple wireless power transmission systems used for wireless powerdelivery.

BACKGROUND

There is a need to optimally pair wireless power transmission systems(WPTSs) with wireless power receive clients (WPRCs). A pairing qualitymetric associated with a certain WPTS-WPRC pairing is needed to beevaluated against another pairing quality metric associated with adifferent WPTS-WPRC pairing. Ultimately, it must be decided how tooptimally pair the WPTSs and WPRCs based on the pairing quality metrics.A need exists for a pairing quality metric analyzer (PQMA), which mayexist in a WPTS, a WPRC, or in another entity, to analyze potentialpairings and to establish, end, or change pairings to optimize alocalized system of WPTSs and WPRCs within a larger system of WPTSs andWPRCs.

SUMMARY

Described herein are embodiments of a wireless power receiver client(WPRC), a wireless power transmission system (WPTS), or another entitysuch as a server, that may include or may be configured to act as apairing quality metric analyzer (PQMA). In some embodiments, the WPRCmay include a processor that may be configured to determine a firstpairing quality metric associated with a first pairing with a first WPTSof a localized system. The processor may be further configured todetermine a second pairing quality metric associated with a secondpairing with a second WPTS of the localized system. The processor may befurther configured to select one of the first WPTS or the second WPTSbased on the first pairing quality metric and the second pairing qualitymetric, wherein the first pairing quality metric and the second pairingquality metric are based on position and orientation information of theWPRC. The WPRC may further include a receiver that may be configured toreceive wireless power from the selected one of the first WPTS or thesecond WPTS.

In one embodiment, the processor may be further configured to determinethe first pairing quality metric based on a power need of the WPRC.

In another embodiment, the processor may be further configured todetermine the first pairing quality metric based on position andorientation information of the first WPTS.

In yet another embodiment, the processor may be further configured todetermine the first pairing quality metric based on informationindicating how WPTSs of the localized system are paired with WPRCs.

In yet another embodiment, the processor may be further configured todetermine an updated pairing quality metric on a condition that an eventhas occurred. The event may include a change in position of the WPRC, achange in orientation of the WPRC, a change in position of any WPTS ofthe localized system, a change in orientation of any WPTS of thelocalized system, a change in a power need of the WPRC, a change inpower delivering capability of any WPTS of the localized system, achange in how WPTSs of the localized system are paired with WPRCs, or achange in a power need of at least one other WPRC of the localizedsystem.

In yet another embodiment, a WPRC may include a transceiver that may beconfigured to receive an indication of a first WPTS or a second WPTSwith which to pair, wherein the indication is based on a first pairingquality metric associated with a first pairing with the first WPTS of alocalized system and at least a second pairing quality metric associatedwith a second pairing with the second WPTS of the localized system, andfurther wherein the first pairing quality metric and the second pairingquality metric are based on position and orientation information of theWPRC. The WPRC may further include a receiver that may be configured toreceive wireless power from the first WPTS or the second WPTS based onthe indication.

In yet another embodiment, the first pairing quality metric may be basedon a power need of the WPRC. Additionally or alternatively, the firstpairing quality metric may be based on position and orientationinformation of the first WPTS. Additionally or alternatively, the firstpairing quality metric may be based on information indicating how WPTSsof the localized system are paired with WPRCs.

In yet another embodiment, the transceiver may be further configured toreceive an updated indication on a condition that an event has occurred.The event may include a change in position of the WPRC, a change inorientation of the WPRC, a change in position of any WPTS of thelocalized system, a change in orientation of any WPTS of the localizedsystem, a change in a power need of the WPRC, a change in powerdelivering capability of any WPTS of the localized system, a change inhow WPTSs of the localized system are paired with WPRCs, or a change ina power need of at least one other WPRC of the localized system.

In yet another embodiment, a WPTS may include or may be configured toact as a PQMA. The WPTS may include a processor that may be configuredto determine a first pairing quality metric associated with a firstpairing with a WPRC of a localized system. The WPTS may further includea transceiver that may be configured to receive a second pairing qualitymetric associated with a second pairing of a second WPTS with the WPRCof the localized system. The processor may be further configured toselect one of the WPTS or the second WPTS based on the first pairingquality metric and the second pairing quality metric, wherein the firstpairing quality metric and the second pairing quality metric are basedon position and orientation information of the WPRC. The WPTS mayfurther include a transmitter that may be configured to transmitwireless power to the WPRC on a condition that the WPTS is selected.

In yet another embodiment, the processor may be further configured todetermine the first pairing quality metric based on a power need of theWPRC.

In yet another embodiment, the processor may be further configured todetermine the first pairing quality metric based on position andorientation information of the WPTS.

In yet another embodiment, the processor may be further configured todetermine the first pairing quality metric based on informationindicating how WPTSs of the localized system are paired with WPRCs.

In yet another embodiment, the processor may be further configured todetermine an updated pairing quality metric on a condition that an eventhas occurred. The event may include a change in position of the WPRC, achange in orientation of the WPRC, a change in position of any WPTS ofthe localized system, a change in orientation of any WPTS of thelocalized system, a change in a power need of the WPRC, a change inpower delivering capability of any WPTS of the localized system, achange in how WPTSs of the localized system are paired with WPRCs, or achange in a power need of at least one other WPRC of the localizedsystem.

In yet another embodiment, a WPRC may include a transceiver that may beconfigured to receive an indication of a first WPTS or a second WPTSwith which to pair, wherein the indication is based on a first pairingquality metric associated with a first pairing with the first WPTS of alocalized system and at least a second pairing quality metric associatedwith a second pairing with the second WPTS of the localized system, andfurther wherein the first pairing quality metric and the second pairingquality metric are based on position and orientation information of theWPRC. The WPTS may further include a receiver that may be configured toreceive wireless power from the first WPTS or the second WPTS based onthe indication.

As described above, the first pairing quality metric may be based on apower need of the WPRC. Additionally or alternatively, the first pairingquality metric may be based on position and orientation information ofthe first WPTS. Additionally or alternatively, the first pairing qualitymetric may be based on information indicating how WPTSs of the localizedsystem are paired with WPRCs.

In yet another embodiment, the transceiver may be further configured toreceive an updated indication on a condition that an event has occurred.The event may include a change in position of the WPRC, a change inorientation of the WPRC, a change in position of any WPTS of thelocalized system, a change in orientation of any WPTS of the localizedsystem, a change in a power need of the WPRC, a change in powerdelivering capability of any WPTS of the localized system, a change inhow WPTSs of the localized system are paired with WPRCs, or a change ina power need of at least one other WPRC of the localized system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a system diagram including an example wireless powertransmission environment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating example components of an exampleembodiment of a wireless power transmission system (WPTS).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a WPRC.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a wirelesssignal delivery environment.

FIGS. 5A-5D depict example scenarios of a system including two WPTSs anda WPRC.

FIGS. 6A-6D depict more example scenarios of a system including twoWPTSs and a WPRC.

FIGS. 7A-7D depict more example scenarios of a system including twoWPTSs and a WPRC.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram depicting an example method that may beperformed by a WPRC, a WPTS, or another entity such as a server.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram depicting an example method that may beperformed by a WPRC, a WPTS, or another entity such as a server.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram depicting an example method that may beperformed by a WPTS.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram depicting an example method that may beperformed by a WPRC, a WPTS, or another entity such as a server.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 depicts a system diagram including an example wireless powertransmission environment 100 illustrating wireless power delivery fromone or more wireless power transmission systems (WPTSs), such as WPTS101. More specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates power transmission to one ormore wireless power receiver clients (WPRCs) 110 a-110 c. WPTS 101 maybe configured to receive encoded beacons 111 a-111 c from WPRCs 110a-110 c and transmit wireless power 112 a-112 c to WPRCs 110 a-110 c.Wireless data 113 a-113 c may also be bidirectionally exchanged betweenWPTS 101 and WPRCs 110 a-110 c. WPRCs 110 a-110 c may be configured toreceive and process wireless power 112 a-112 c and wireless data 113a-113 c from one or more WPTSs, such as WPTS 101. Components of anexample WPTS 101 are shown and discussed in greater detail below, aswell as in FIG. 2 . Components of an example WPRC 110 a-110 c are shownand discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 3 .

WPTS 101 may include multiple antennas 103 a-103 n, e.g., an antennaarray including a plurality of antennas, which may be capable ofdelivering wireless power 112 a-112 c to WPRCs 110 a-110 c. Antennas 103a-103 n may further include one or more timing acquisition antennas andone or more communication antennas. In some embodiments, the sameantennas for transmission of wireless power may be used for timingacquisition and wireless data communication. In alternative embodiments,separate antennas may be used for wireless power, for timingacquisition, and for wireless data communication. In some embodiments,the antennas are adaptively-phased radio frequency (RF) antennas. TheWPTS 101 may be capable of determining the appropriate phases with whichto deliver a coherent power transmission signal to WPRCs 110 a-110 c.Each antenna of the antenna array including antennas 103 a-103 n may beconfigured to emit a signal, e.g. a continuous wave or pulsed powertransmission signal, at a specific phase relative to each other antenna,such that a coherent sum of the signals transmitted from a collection ofthe antennas is focused at a location of a respective WPRC 110 a-110 c.Any number of antennas may be employed in the reception and transmissionof signals depicted in FIG. 1 . Multiple antennas, including a portionof antennas 103 a-103 n that may include all of antennas 103 a-103 n,may be employed in the transmission and/or reception of wirelesssignals. It is appreciated that use of the term “array” does notnecessarily limit the antenna array to any specific array structure.That is, the antenna array does not need to be structured in a specific“array” form or geometry. Furthermore, as used herein the term “array”or “array system” may be used include related and peripheral circuitryfor signal generation, reception and transmission, such as radios,digital circuits and modems.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1 , antennas 103 a-103 n may beincluded in WPTS 101 and may be configured to transmit both power anddata and to receive data. The antennas 103 a-103 n may be configured toprovide delivery of wireless radio frequency power in a wireless powertransmission environment 100, to provide data transmission, and toreceive wireless data transmitted by WPRCs 110 a-110 c, includingencoded beacon signals 111 a-111 c. In some embodiments, the datatransmission may be through lower power signaling than the wirelessradio frequency power transmission. In some embodiments, one or more ofthe antennas 103 a-103 n may be alternatively configured for datacommunications in lieu of wireless power delivery. In some embodiments,one or more of the power delivery antennas 103 a-103 n can alternativelyor additionally be configured for data communications in addition to orin lieu of wireless power delivery. The one or more data communicationantennas are configured to send data communications to and receive datacommunications from WPRCs 110 a-110 c.

Each of WPRCs 110 a-110 c may include one or more antennas (not shown)for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from WPTS 101.Likewise, WPTS 101 may include an antenna array having one or moreantennas and/or sets of antennas, each antenna or set of antennas beingcapable of emitting continuous wave or discrete (pulse) signals atspecific phases relative to each other antenna or set of antennas. Asdiscussed above, WPTSs 101 is capable of determining the appropriatephases for delivering the coherent signals to the antennas 103 a-103 n.For example, in some embodiments, delivering coherent signals to aparticular WPRC can be determined by computing the complex conjugate ofa received encoded beacon signal at each antenna of the array or eachantenna of a portion of the array such that a signal from each antennais phased appropriately relative to a signal from other antennasemployed in delivering power or data to the particular WPRC thattransmitted the beacon signal. The WPTS 101 can be configured to emit asignal (e.g., continuous wave or pulsed transmission signal) frommultiple antennas using multiple waveguides at a specific phase relativeto each other. Other techniques for delivering a coherent wireless powersignal are also applicable such as, for example, the techniquesdiscussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/852,216 titled “AnytimeBeaconing In A WPTS” filed Dec. 22, 2017 and in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/852,348 titled “Transmission Path Identification based onPropagation Channel Diversity” filed Dec. 22, 2017; which are expresslyincorporated by reference herein.

Although not illustrated, each component of the wireless powertransmission environment 100, e.g., WPRCs 110 a-110 c, WPTS 101, caninclude control and synchronization mechanisms, e.g., a datacommunication synchronization module. WPTS 101 can be connected to apower source such as, for example, a power outlet or source connectingthe WPTSs to a standard or primary alternating current (AC) power supplyin a building. Alternatively, or additionally, WPTS 101 can be poweredby a battery or via other mechanisms, e.g., solar cells, etc.

As shown in the example of FIG. 1 , WPRCs 110 a-110 c include mobilephone devices and a wireless tablet. However, WPRCs 110 a-110 c can beany device or system that needs power and is capable of receivingwireless power via one or more integrated WPRCs. Although three WPRCs110 a-110 c are depicted, any number of WPRCs may be supported. Asdiscussed herein, a WPRC may include one or more integrated powerreceivers configured to receive and process power from one or more WPTSsand provide the power to the WPRCs 110 a-110 c or to internal batteriesof the WPRCs 110 a-110 c for operation thereof.

As described herein, each of the WPRCs 110 a-110 c can be any systemand/or device, and/or any combination of devices/systems that canestablish a connection with another device, a server and/or othersystems within the example wireless power transmission environment 100.In some embodiments, the WPRCs 110 a-110 c may each include displays orother output functionalities to present or transmit data to a userand/or input functionalities to receive data from the user. By way ofexample, WPRC 110 a can be, but is not limited to, a video gamecontroller, a server desktop, a desktop computer, a computer cluster, amobile computing device such as a notebook, a laptop computer, ahandheld computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a PDA, a Blackberrydevice, a Treo, and/or an iPhone, etc. By way of example and notlimitation, WPRC 110 a can also be any wearable device such as watches,necklaces, rings or even devices embedded on or within the customer.Other examples of WPRC 110 a include, but are not limited to, a safetysensor, e.g. a fire or carbon monoxide sensor, an electric toothbrush,an electronic door lock/handle, an electric light switch controller, anelectric shaver, an electronic shelf label (ESL), etc.

Although not illustrated in the example of FIG. 1 , the WPTS 101 and theWPRCs 110 a-110 c can each include a data communication module forcommunication via a data channel. Alternatively, or additionally, theWPRCs 110 a-110 c can direct antennas to communicate with WPTS 101 viaexisting data communications modules. In some embodiments, the WPTS 101can have an embedded Wi-Fi hub for data communications via one or moreantennas or transceivers. In some embodiments, the antennas 103 a-103 ncan communicate via Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi™, ZigBee™, etc. The WPRCs 110a-110 c may also include an embedded Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi™, ZigBee™, etc.transceiver for communicating with the WPTS 101. Other datacommunication protocols are also possible. In some embodiments thebeacon signal, which is primarily referred to herein as a continuouswaveform, can alternatively or additionally take the form of a modulatedsignal and/or a discrete/pulsed signal.

WPTS 101 may also include control circuit 102. Control circuit 102 maybe configured to provide control and intelligence to the WPTS 101components. Control circuit 102 may comprise one or more processors,memory units, etc., and may direct and control the various data andpower communications. Control circuit 102 may direct data communicationson a data carrier frequency that may be the same or different than thefrequency via which wireless power is delivered. Likewise, controlcircuit 102 can direct wireless transmission system 100 to communicatewith WPRCs 110 a-110 c as discussed herein. The data communications canbe, by way of example and not limitation, Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi™, ZigBee™,etc. Other communication protocols are possible.

It is appreciated that the use of the term “WPTS” does not necessarilylimit the WPTS to any specific structure. That is, the WPTS does notneed to be structured in a specific form or geometry. Furthermore, asused herein the term “transmission system” or “WPTS” may be used toinclude related and peripheral circuitry for signal generation,reception and transmission, such as radios, digital circuits and modems.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating example components of a WPTS 200in accordance with the embodiments described herein. As illustrated inthe example of FIG. 2 , the WPTS 200 may include a control circuit 201,external power interface 202, and power system 203. Control circuit 201may include processor 204, for example a base band processor, and memory205. Additionally, although only one antenna array board 208 and onetransmitter 206 are depicted in FIG. 2 , WPTS 200 may include one ormore transmitters 206 coupled to one or more antenna array boards 208and transmit signals to the one or more antenna array boards 208.Although only one receiver is depicted in FIG. 2 , one or more receivers207 may be coupled to the one or more antenna array boards 208 and mayreceive signals from the one or more antennas 250 a-250 n of the one ormore antenna array boards 208. Each antenna array board 208 includesswitches 220 a-220 n, phase shifters 230 a-230 n, power amplifiers 240a-240 n, and antenna arrays 250 a-250 n. Although each switch, phaseshifter, power amplifier, and antenna is depicted in a one-to-onerelationship, this should not be construed as limiting. Additionally oralternatively, any number of switches, phase shifters, power amplifiers,and antennas may be coupled. Some or all of the components of the WPTS200 can be omitted, combined, or sub-divided in some embodiments.Furthermore, the setting of the switches 220 a-220 n and phase shifters230 a-230 n should not be construed as limiting. Any of the switches 220a-220 n, phase shifters 230 a-230 n, and/or power amplifiers 240 a-240n, or any combination thereof, may be individually controlled orcontrolled in groups. The signals transmitted and received by the one ormore antenna array boards 208 may be wireless power signals, wirelessdata signals, or both.

Control circuit 201 is configured to provide control and intelligence tothe array components including the switches 220 a-220 n, phase shifters230 a-230 n, power amplifiers 240 a-240 n, and antenna arrays 250 a-250n. Control circuit 201 may direct and control the various data and powercommunications. Transmitter 206 can generate a signal comprising poweror data communications on a carrier frequency. The signal can be complywith a standardized format such as Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi™, ZigBee™, etc.,including combinations or variations thereof. Additionally oralternatively, the signal can be a proprietary format that does not useBluetooth™, Wi-Fi™, ZigBee™, and the like, and utilizes the sameswitches 220 a-220 n, phase shifters 230 a-230 n, power amplifiers 240a-240 n, and antenna arrays 250 a-250 n to transmit wireless data as areused to transmit wireless power. Such a configuration may save onhardware complexity and conserve power by operating independently of theconstraints imposed by compliance with the aforementioned standardizedformats. In some embodiments, control circuit 201 can also determine atransmission configuration comprising a directional transmission throughthe control of the switches 220 a-220 n, phase shifters 230 a-230 n, andamplifiers 240 a-240 n based on an encoded beacon signal received from aWPRC 210.

The external power interface 202 is configured to receive external powerand provide the power to various components. In some embodiments, theexternal power interface 202 may be configured to receive, for example,a standard external 24 Volt power supply. In other embodiments, theexternal power interface 202 can be, for example, 120/240 Volt AC mainsto an embedded DC power supply which may source, for example, 12/24/48Volt DC to provide the power to various components. Alternatively, theexternal power interface could be a DC supply which may source, forexample, 12/24/48 Volts DC. Alternative configurations including othervoltages are also possible.

Switches 220 a-220 n may be activated to transmit power and/or data andreceive encoded beacon signals based on the state of the switches 220a-220 n. In one example, switches 220 a-220 n may be activated, e.g.closed, or deactivated, e.g. open, for power transmission, datatransmission, and/or encoded beacon reception. Additional components arealso possible. For example, in some embodiments phase-shifters 230 a-230n may be included to change the phase of a signal when transmittingpower or data to a WPRC 210. Phase shifter 230 a-230 n may transmit apower or data signal to WPRC 210 based on a phase of a complex conjugateof the encoded beaconing signal from WPRC 210. The phase-shift may alsobe determined by processing the encoded beaconing signal received fromWPRC 210 and identifying WPRC 210. WPTS 200 may then determine aphase-shift associated with WPRC 210 to transmit the power signal. In anexample embodiment, data transmitted from the WPTS 200 may be in theform of communication beacons which may be used to synchronize clockswith WPRC 210. This synchronization may improve the reliability ofbeacon phase detection.

In operation, control circuit 201, which may control the WPTS 200, mayreceive power from a power source over external power interface 202 andmay be activated. Control circuit 201 may identify an available WPRC 210within range of the WPTS 200 by receiving an encoded beacon signalinitiated by the WPRC 210 via at least a portion of antennas 250 a-250n. When the WPRC 210 is identified based on the encoded beacon signal, aset of antenna elements on the WPTS may power on, enumerate, andcalibrate for wireless power and/or data transmission. At this point,control circuit 201 may also be able to simultaneously receiveadditional encoded beacon signals from other WPRCs via at least aportion of antennas 250 a-250 n.

Once the transmission configuration has been generated and instructionshave been received from control circuit 201, transmitter 206 maygenerate and transfer one or more power and/or data signal waves to oneor more antenna boards 208. Based on the instruction and generatedsignals, at least a portion of power switches 220 a-220 n may be openedor closed and at least a portion of phase shifters 230 a-230 n may beset to the appropriate phase associated with the transmissionconfiguration. The power and/or data signal may then be amplified by atleast a portion of power amplifiers 240 a-240 n and transmitted at anangle directed toward a location of WPRC 210. As discussed herein, atleast a portion of antennas 250 a-250 n may be simultaneously receivingencoded beacon signals from additional WPRCs 210.

As described above, a WPTS 200 may include one or more antenna arrayboards 208. In one embodiment, each antenna array board 208 may beconfigured to communicate with a single WPRC 210, so that a differentantenna array board 208 of a plurality of antenna array boards 208communicates with a different WPRC 210 of a plurality of WPRCs 210. Suchan implementation may remove a reliance on a communication method, suchas a low-rate personal area network (LR-WPAN), IEEE 802.15.4, orBluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection to synchronize with a WPRC 210. AWPTS 200 may receive a same message from a WPRC 210 via differentantennas of antennas 250 a-250 n. The WPTS 200 may use the replicationof the same message across the different antennas to establish a morereliable communication link. In such a scenario, a beacon power may belowered since the lower power can be compensated by the improvedreliability owed to the replicated received signals. In someembodiments, it may also be possible to dedicate certain antennas orgroups of antennas for data communication and dedicate other antennas orgroups of antennas for power delivery. For example, an example WPTS 200may dedicate 8 or 16 antennas of antennas 250 a-250 n to datacommunication at a lower power level than some number of remainingantennas that may be dedicated to power delivery at a relatively higherpower level than the data communication.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example WPRC 300 in accordancewith embodiments described herein. As shown in the example of FIG. 3 ,WPRC 300 may include control circuit 301, energy storage 302, a controlmodule 303, for example an Internet of Things (IoT) control module,transceiver 306 and associated one or more antennas 320, power meter309, rectifier 310, a combiner 311, beacon signal generator 307, beaconcoding unit 308 and associated one or more antennas 321, and switch 312connecting the combiner 311 or the beacon signal generator 307 to one ormore associated antennas 322 a-322 n. The energy storage 302 may be, forexample, a batter, a capacitor, or any other suitable energy storagedevice. Although not depicted, the WPRC 300 may include an energyharvesting circuit which may enable the WPRC 300 to operate with acapacitor for short term energy storage instead of or in addition tousing a battery. Some or all of the depicted components in FIG. 3 can beomitted, combined, or sub-divided in some embodiments. Some or all ofthe components depicted in FIG. 3 may be incorporated in a singleintegrated chip (IC). It should be noted that although the WPTS 200 mayuse full-duplexing, WPRC 300 may additionally or alternatively usehalf-duplexing. A received and/or transmitted data rate may be, forexample, 20 Mbps. However, higher or lower data rates may be implementedto achieve other design goals. The WPRC 300 may transmit acknowledgement(ACK) messages back to a WPTS, such as a WPTS 200 depicted in FIG. 2 .Although not depicted, a local CPU may be incorporated into WPRC 300.For example, the local CPU may be included in the control circuit 301.

A combiner 311 may receive and combine the received power and/or datatransmission signals received via one or more antennas 322 a-322 n. Thecombiner can be any combiner or divider circuit that is configured toachieve isolation between output ports while maintaining a matchedcondition. For example, the combiner 311 can be a Wilkinson PowerDivider circuit. The combiner 311 may be used to combine two or more RFsignals while maintaining a characteristic impedance, for example, 50ohms. The combiner 311 may be a resistive-type combiner, which usesresistors, or a hybrid-type combiner, which uses transformers. Therectifier 310 may receive the combined power transmission signal fromthe combiner 311, if present, which may be fed through the power meter309 to the energy storage 302 for charging. In other embodiments, eachantenna's power path can have its own rectifier 310 and the DC power outof the rectifiers is combined prior to feeding the power meter 309. Thepower meter 309 may measure the received power signal strength and mayprovide the control circuit 301 with this measurement.

Energy storage 302 may include protection circuitry and/or monitoringfunctions. Additionally, the energy storage 302 may include one or morefeatures, including, but not limited to, current limiting, temperatureprotection, over/under voltage alerts and protection, and capacitymonitoring, for example coulomb monitoring. The control circuit 301 mayreceive the energy level from the energy storage 302 itself. The controlcircuit 301 may also transmit/receive via the transceiver 306 a datasignal on a data carrier frequency, such as the base signal clock forclock synchronization. The beacon signal generator 307 may generate thebeacon signal or calibration signal and may transmit the beacon signalor calibration signal using one or more antennas 321.

It may be noted that, although the energy storage 302 is shown ascharged by, and providing power to, WPRC 300, the receiver may alsoreceive its power directly from the rectifier 310. This may be inaddition to the rectifier 310 providing charging current to the energystorage 302, or in lieu of providing charging. Also, it may be notedthat the use of multiple antennas 320, 321, and 322 a-322 n is oneexample of implementation, however the structure may be reduced to fewerantennas, such as one shared antenna.

In some embodiments, the control circuit 301 and/or the control module303 can communicate with and/or otherwise derive device information fromWPRC 300. The device information can include, but is not limited to,information about the capabilities of the WPRC 300, usage information ofthe WPRC 300, power levels of the energy storage 302 of the WPRC 300,and/or information obtained or inferred by the WPRC 300. In someembodiments, a client identifier (ID) module 305 stores a client ID thatcan uniquely identify the WPRC 300 in a wireless power deliveryenvironment. For example, the ID can be transmitted to one or more WPTSsin the encoded beacon signal. In some embodiments, WPRCs may also beable to receive and identify other WPRCs in a wireless power deliveryenvironment based on the client ID.

A motion/orientation sensor 304 can detect motion and/or orientation andmay signal the control circuit 301 to act accordingly. For example, adevice receiving power may integrate motion detection mechanisms such asaccelerometers or equivalent mechanisms to detect motion. Once thedevice detects that it is in motion, it may be assumed that it is beinghandled by a user, and may trigger a signal to the antenna array of theWPTS to either stop transmitting power and/or data, or to initiatewireless power and/or data transmission from the WPTS. The WPRC may usethe encoded beacon or other signaling to communicate with the WPTS. Insome embodiments, when a WPRC 300 is used in a moving environment like acar, train or plane, the power might only be transmitted intermittentlyor at a reduced level unless the WPRC 300 is critically low on power.

Additionally or alternatively, a WPRC 300 may include an orientationsensor which may sense a particular orientation of the WPRC 300. Anorientation of the WPRC 300 may affect how it receives wireless powerfrom a WPTS. Thus, an orientation may be used to determine a best WPTSwith which to pair. Motion/orientation sensor 304 may include only amotion sensor, only an orientation sensor, or may integrate both.Alternatively, two or more separate sensors may be used. Additionally oralternatively, a WPRC 300 may detect a direction of signals received viaits antennas from one or more WPTSs to determine its orientationrelative to the one or more WPTSs. Thus, in some embodiments, a WPRC 300may be able to detect a relative orientation without a need for anorientation sensor.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example wireless signal deliveryenvironment 400 in accordance with embodiments described herein. Thewireless signal delivery environment 400 includes WPTS 401, a useroperating WPRCs 402 a and 402 b, and wireless network 409. Although twoWPRCs are depicted in FIG. 4 , any number of WPRCs may be supported.WPTS 401 as depicted in FIG. 4 can alternatively be implemented inaccordance with WPTS 101 as depicted in FIG. 1 . Alternativeconfigurations are also possible. Likewise, WPRCs 402 a and 402 b asdepicted in FIG. 4 can be implemented in accordance with WPRCs 110 a-110c of FIG. 1 , or can be implemented in accordance with WPRC 300 asdepicted in FIG. 3 , although alternative configurations are alsopossible.

WPTS 401 may include a power supply 403, memory 404, processor 405,interface 406, one or more antennas 407, and a networking interfacedevice 408. Some or all of the components of the WPTS 401 can beomitted, combined, or sub-divided in some embodiments. The networkinginterface device may communicate wired or wirelessly with a network 409to exchange information that may ultimately be communicated to or fromWPRCs 402 a and 402 b. The one or more antennas 407 may also include oneor more receivers, transmitters, and/or transceivers. The one or moreantennas 407 may have a radiation and reception pattern directed in aspace proximate to WPRC 402 a, WPRC 402 b, or both, as appropriate. WPTS401 may transmit a wireless power signal, wireless data signal, or bothover at least a portion of antennas 407 to WPRCs 402 a and 402 b. Asdiscussed herein, WPTS 401 may transmit the wireless power signal,wireless data signal, or both at an angle in the direction of WPRCs 402a and 402 b such that the strength of the respectively received wirelesssignal by WPRCs 402 a and 402 b depends on the accuracy of thedirectivity of the corresponding directed transmission beams from atleast a portion of antennas 407.

A fundamental property of antennas is that the receiving pattern of anantenna when used for receiving is directly related to the far-fieldradiation pattern of the antenna when used for transmitting. This is aconsequence of the reciprocity theorem in electromagnetics. Theradiation pattern can be any number of shapes and strengths depending onthe directivity of the beam created by the waveform characteristics andthe types of antennas used in the antenna design of the antennas 407.The types of antennas 407 may include, for example, horn antennas,simple vertical antenna, etc. The antenna radiation pattern can compriseany number of different antenna radiation patterns, including variousdirective patterns, in a wireless signal delivery environment 400. Byway of example and not limitation, wireless power transmitcharacteristics can include phase settings for each antenna and/ortransceiver, transmission power settings for each antenna and/ortransceiver, or any combination of groups of antennas and transceivers,etc.

As described herein, the WPTS 401 may determine wireless communicationtransmit characteristics such that, once the antennas and/ortransceivers are configured, the multiple antennas and/or transceiversare operable to transmit a wireless power signal and/or wireless datasignal that matches the WPRC radiation pattern in the space proximate tothe WPRC. Advantageously, as discussed herein, the wireless signal,including a power signal, data signal, or both, may be adjusted to moreaccurately direct the beam of the wireless signal toward a location of arespective WPRC, such as WPRCs 402 a and 402 b as depicted in FIG. 4 .

The directivity of the radiation pattern shown in the example of FIG. 4is illustrated for simplicity. It is appreciated that any number ofpaths can be utilized for transmitting the wireless signal to WPRCs 402a and 402 b depending on, among other factors, reflective and absorptiveobjects in the wireless communication delivery environment. FIG. 4depicts direct signal paths, however other signal paths, includingmulti-path signals, that are not direct are also possible.

The positioning and repositioning of WPRCs 402 a and 402 b in thewireless communication delivery environment may be tracked by WPTS 401using a three-dimensional angle of incidence of an RF signal at anypolarity paired with a distance that may be determined by using an RFsignal strength or any other method. As discussed herein, an array ofantennas 407 capable of measuring phase may be used to detect awave-front angle of incidence. A respective angle of direction towardWPRCs 402 a and 402 b may be determined based on respective distance toWPRCs 402 a and 402 b and on respective power calculations.Alternatively, or additionally, the respective angle of direction toWPRCs 402 a and 402 b can be determined from multiple antenna arraysegments 407.

In some embodiments, the degree of accuracy in determining therespective angle of direction toward WPRCs 402 a and 402 b may depend onthe size and number of antennas 407, number of phase steps, method ofphase detection, accuracy of distance measurement method, RF noise levelin environment, etc. In some embodiments, users may be asked to agree toa privacy policy defined by an administrator for tracking their locationand movements within the environment. Furthermore, in some embodiments,the system can use the location information to modify the flow ofinformation between devices and optimize the environment. Additionally,the system can track historical wireless device location information anddevelop movement pattern information, profile information, andpreference information.

In one embodiment, a WPRC may be paired with one of a plurality of WPTSswithin a localized system of WPRCs and WPTSs. The localized system maybe part of a larger system of WPRCs and WPTSs. In some embodiments, thelocalized system may include a plurality of neighboring WPTSs and one ormore WPRCs. In some embodiments, the localized system may include one ormore WPRCs and one or more WPTSs within a certain proximity of eachother, wherein a change in one or more conditions of the one or moreWPRCs and/or one or more WPTSs may have a non-trivial effect on othersof the one or more WPRCs and/or one or more WPTS in the localizedsystem.

A pairing is characterized by a pairing quality metric. The pairingquality metric characterizes the performance of the localized systemusing the current pairing.

At least one alternate pairing quality metric may be generated thatcharacterizes the performance of the localized system for at least onealternate pairing.

A pairing quality metric analyzer (PQMA) may make at least onedetermination, based on pairing quality metrics, as to which is thebetter of: a) the current pairing, and b) at least one alternatepairing. The PQMA's determination may cause the current pairing to beended in favor of initiating the at least one alternate pairing.

The PQMA may need to aggregate pairing quality metric information thatmay initially be distributed across multiple WPRCs and/or WPTSs.

The PQMA may make at least one additional determination, at a latertime, based on an event. The event could include; a change ofsignificant magnitude to the information that was used to make a priordetermination, the expiration of a timer, or the completion of at leastone other task that was occupying the PQMA. For example, in someembodiments, the change of significant magnitude to the information thatwas used to make a prior determination may include a change in positionof the WPRC, a change in orientation of the WPRC, a change in positionof any WPTS of the localized system, a change in orientation of any WPTSof the localized system, a change in a power need of the WPRC, a changein power delivering capability of any WPTS of the localized system, achange in how WPTSs of the localized system are paired with WPRCs, or achange in a power need of at least one other WPRC of the localizedsystem.

The determination of a pairing quality metric may be made by a WPRC, aWPTS, or another device such as a computing server with a dataconnection to a WPRC or WPTS. In some embodiments, a WPTS, a WPRC, oranother device may be a PQMA or may include a PQMA. The determinationmay require the aggregation of information that is initially distributedamongst various WPRCs and/or WPTSs. To aggregate information, WPRCs andWPTSs may communicate by some means. In one embodiment, thecommunication may occur by using wireless networking.

The information that is aggregated to make a determination may includeWPRC position and orientation information, WPTS position and orientationinformation, information about the power needs of the WPRC, informationabout power delivery capabilities of the WPTS, information about howWPTSs are currently paired with WPRCs, and information about the powerneeds of the WPRCs.

Updated position information and orientation information of the WPRC maybe determined by a WPTS based on a beacon transmitted by the WPRC or maybe provided to the WPTS by the WPRC based on one or more positional andorientation sensors.

In one embodiment, in order to optimize WPTS-WPRC pairings, the WPTSpaired with the WPRC may share the updated position information andorientation information of the WPRC with one or more neighboring WPTSsin a localized system. One or more PQMAs may reside in the one or moreneighboring WPTSs of the localized system. The one or more PQMAs may usethe updated position information and orientation information of the WPRCto calculate a predicted power delivery to the WPRC for each respectiveWPTS. The respective predicted power deliver values may be shared and/oraggregated among the one or more PQMAs. In one embodiment, the pairedWPTS and the one or more neighboring WPTSs may share respectivepredicted power delivery values with each other. At least one of the oneor more PQMAs may choose the WPTS-WPRC pairing with the highestpredicted power delivery for the WPRC.

On a condition that the paired WPTS has the greatest predicted powerdelivery, the paired WPTS may remain paired with the WPRC and willdirectionally transmit wireless power to the WPRC using the updatedposition information and orientation information. In some embodiments,wireless power may be directionally transmitted to a WPRC may includetargeting a specific WPRC and transmitting wireless power to a targetedarea proximate to the WPRC. On a condition that one of the one or moreneighboring WPTSs has the greatest predicted power delivery, the PQMAmay communicate with the paired WPTS and the one or more neighboringWPTSs to indicate that the WPRC should be paired with the oneneighboring WPTS. The neighboring WPTS may then directionally transmitwireless power to the WPRC using the updated position information andorientation information.

In this way, one or more PQMAs may optimize WPTS-WPRC pairings. The oneor more PQMAs may maintain updated position information and orientationinformation of WPRCs and WPTSs and evaluate which WPTS should providewireless power to a WPRC. Pairings may be adjusted such that no WPRCwould be significantly better served by being paired with a differentWPTS.

As referenced above, a predicted power of a WPTS may not only be basedon updated position information and orientation information of the WPRC,but may additionally or alternatively be based on updated positioninformation and orientation information of the WPTS itself. For example,a WPTS may be mounted to a movable structure such as a car door, wherethe door being opened or closed changes the position and orientation ofthe WPTS and its associated ability to deliver wireless power to a WPRC.

A predicted power of a WPTS may not only be based on updated positioninformation and orientation information of the WPRC or WPTS, but mayalso be based on an ability to service a load associated with all WPRCspaired with the WPTS. For example, a WPTS may be limited by how muchpower it can wirelessly deliver to a WPRC due to a load demand placed onthe WPTS by other WPRCs already paired with the WPTS. Thus, in oneexample scenario, a heavily loaded WPTS may not be able to deliveroptimal wireless power to the WPRC that the WPTS would otherwise be ableto deliver if not for the large power load it is already responsible forwirelessly delivering. In another example scenario, the pairing qualitymetric analyzer may offload one or more of the WPRCs that are pairedwith the heavily loaded WPTS to other WPTSs so that the WPTS may be ableto provide more power to the WPRC so that an overall better optimizedset of WPTS-WPRC pairings in a localized system may be established.

As described above, a change in a WPRC's or WPTS's position ororientation may cause a PQMA to reevaluate how much power a WPTS canwirelessly deliver to the WPRC and whether the WPRC would be betterpaired with a neighboring WPTS. Additionally or alternatively, changingload demands on different WPTSs may cause a PQMA to reevaluate whether aWPRC would be better paired with a neighboring WPTS. In another example,a change in the environment may additionally or alternatively cause aPQMA to evaluate a WPTS's pairings with WPRCs. For example, a person maymove between the WPTS and its paired WPRC and impair the WPTS's abilityto wirelessly deliver power to the WPRC. In this example, it may beoptimal for the WPRC to be paired with a neighboring WPTS where theperson is not between the neighboring WPTS and the WPRC.

Thus, it follows from the example embodiments described above, that anexample system is envisioned wherein one or more PQMAs may maintainupdated information on the respective abilities of WPTSs to providewireless power to its paired WPRCs. A PQMA in the example system mayevaluate a WPTS's pairings based on the updated pairing quality metricsto ensure that no WPRC would be significantly better served being pairedwith a different WPTS. Thus, a system configured in accordance with thedescription herein would evolve towards an Epsilon Equilibrium.

FIGS. 5A-5D depict example scenarios of two candidate WPTSs, WPTS 1 andWPTS 2, serving a WPRC A, where an orientation of WPRC A may affectwhich WPTS would optimally serve WPRC A. A PQMA may be included in WPTS1 and/or WPTS 2, in WPRC A, and/or in another entity not depicted suchas a cloud server. Additionally or alternatively, WPTS 1, WPTS 2, WPRCA, and/or another entity not depicted and their associated componentsmay be configured to act as a PQMA.

FIG. 5A, depicts WPRC A transmitting a wireless beacon signal. Thewireless beacon signal may be omnidirectional or directional. The WPRC Amay also transmit updated position information and orientationinformation. In one embodiment, WPRC A may transmit updated positioninformation to WPTS 1 only, and WPTS 1 may share the updated positioninformation with WPTS 2. Additionally or alternatively, a WPTS maydetermine updated position information and orientation information fromcharacteristics of the beacon signal. It may be assumed that WPRC A ispaired with WPTS 1 through previously executed procedures. A PQMA maydetermine that the pairing of WPTS 1 with WPRC A may be reevaluated. Asdescribed above, the PQMA may be located in any of WPTS 1, WPTS 2, WPRCA, or another entity not depicted. The PQMA may reevaluate the pairingbased on detecting a triggering event has occurred. The triggering eventmay include any triggering event as described above, for example, achange in orientation of WPRC A. As depicted, in one embodiment, WPTS 1,WPTS 2, and WPRC A may share updated position information andorientation information. The PQMA may aggregate information about thesystem of localized WPTSs and WPRCs to determine an optimal pairing. ThePQMA is not limited to be located in any one particular entity. Rather,depending on the location of the PQMA, information may be appropriatelyaggregated via signaling between the entities. The PQMA may determine apredicted performance of the localized system for WPTS 1 paired withWPRC A and alternatively for WPTS 2 paired with WPRC A. As previouslydescribed, the PQMA may analyze information such as position andorientation information of WPTS 1, WPTS 2, and WPRC A, load demands onWPTS 1 and WPTS 2, and other environmental factors to determineperformance of the localized system for WPRC A paired with WPTS 1 andfor WPRC A paired with WPTS 2.

FIG. 5B depicts WPTS 1 transmitting wireless power to WPRC A. In thisscenario, the PQMA may have determined that the localized system isoptimized with WPTS 1 paired with WPRC A rather than WPTS 2 based oncorresponding pairing quality metrics. Thus, WPTS 1 remains paired withWPRC A and is responsible for wirelessly delivering power to WPRC A. Itmay be noted that WPRC A is depicted with an antenna that is orientedtowards WPTS 1. By way of example, because the antenna of WPRC A isoriented towards WPTS 1 and away from WPTS 2, WPTS 1 may be able todeliver more wireless power to WPRC A. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 5B,WPTS 1 wirelessly delivers power to WPRC A.

FIG. 5C depicts WPRC A transmitting another wireless beacon signal. Asdepicted in FIG. 5C, WPRC A may have changed orientation from thatdepicted in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. WPRC A may also transmit updatedposition information and orientation information. In one embodiment,WPRC A may transmit updated position information to WPTS 1 only, andWPTS 1 may share the updated position information with WPTS 2. A PQMAmay detect that, for example, the orientation of WPRC A has changed andthat the pairing of WPTS 1 with WPRC A may be reevaluated. As depicted,in one embodiment, WPTS 1, WPTS 2, and WPRC A may share updated positioninformation and orientation information. The PQMA may aggregateinformation about the system of localized WPTSs and WPRCs to determinean optimal pairing. The PQMA may determine a predicted performance ofthe localized system for WPTS 1 paired with WPRC A and alternatively forWPTS 2 paired with WPRC A. As previously described, the PQMA may analyzeinformation such as position and orientation information of WPTS 1, WPTS2, and WPRC A, load demands on WPTS 1 and WPTS 2, and otherenvironmental factors to determine performance of the localized systemfor WPRC A paired with WPTS 1 and for WPRC A paired with WPTS 2.

FIG. 5D depicts WPTS 2 transmitting wireless power to WPRC A. In thisscenario, the PQMA may have determined that the localized system isoptimized with WPTS 2 paired with WPRC A rather than WPTS 1 based oncorresponding pairing quality metrics. Thus, the PQMA updates thelocalized system such that WPRC A is paired with WPTS 2 and WPTS 2 isnow responsible for wirelessly delivering power to WPRC A. As depictedin FIG. 5D, the orientation of WPRC A has changed from that depicted inFIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. In FIG. 5D, the antenna of WPRC A is orientedtowards WPTS 2. By way of example, because the antenna of WPRC A isoriented towards WPTS 2 and away from WPTS 1, WPTS 2 may be able todeliver more wireless power to WPRC A. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 5D,WPTS 2 wirelessly delivers power to WPRC A.

FIGS. 6A-6D depict more example scenarios of two candidate WPTSs, WPTS 1and WPTS 2, serving a WPRC A, where a position of WPRC A may affectwhich WPTS would optimally serve WPRC A. A PQMA may be included in WPTS1 and/or WPTS 2, in WPRC A, and/or in another entity not depicted suchas a cloud server. Additionally or alternatively, WPTS 1, WPTS 2, WPRCA, and/or another entity not depicted and their associated componentsmay be configured to act as a PQMA.

FIG. 6A depicts WPRC A transmitting a wireless beacon signal. Aspreviously mentioned, the wireless beacon signal may be omnidirectionalor directional. The WPRC A may also transmit updated positioninformation and orientation information. In one embodiment, WPRC A maytransmit updated position information to WPTS 2 only, and WPTS 2 mayshare the updated position information with WPTS 1. Additionally oralternatively, a WPTS may determine updated position information andorientation information from characteristics of the beacon signal. Itmay be assumed that WPRC A is paired with WPTS 2 through previouslyexecuted procedures. A PQMA may determine that the pairing of WPTS 2with WPRC A may be reevaluated. As described above, the PQMA may belocated in any of WPTS 1, WPTS 2, WPRC A, or another entity notdepicted. The PQMA may reevaluate the pairing based on detecting atriggering event has occurred. The triggering event may include anytriggering event as described above, for example, a change in locationof WPRC A. As depicted, in one embodiment, WPTS 1, WPTS 2, and WPRC Amay share updated position information and orientation information. ThePQMA may aggregate information about the system of localized WPTSs andWPRCs to determine an optimal pairing. The PQMA is not limited to belocated in any one particular entity. Rather, depending on the locationof the PQMA, information may be appropriately aggregated via signalingbetween the entities. The PQMA may determine a predicted performance ofthe localized system for WPTS 2 paired with WPRC A and alternatively forWPTS 1 paired with WPRC A. As previously described, the PQMA may analyzeinformation such as position and orientation information of WPTS 1, WPTS2, and WPRC A, load demands on WPTS 1 and WPTS 2, and otherenvironmental factors to determine performance of the localized systemfor WPRC A paired with WPTS 1 and for WPRC A paired with WPTS 2.

FIG. 6B depicts WPTS 2 transmitting wireless power to WPRC A. In thisscenario, the PQMA may have determined that the localized system isoptimized with WPTS 2 paired with WPRC A rather than WPTS 1 based oncorresponding pairing quality metrics. Thus, WPTS 2 remains paired withWPRC A and is responsible for wirelessly delivering power to WPRC A. Itmay be noted that WPRC A is depicted located at a position that isrelatively closer to WPTS 2 than to WPTS 1. By way of example, becauseWPRC A is located closer to WPTS 2 than to WPTS 1, WPTS 2 may be able todeliver more wireless power to WPRC A. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 6B,WPTS 2 wirelessly delivers power to WPRC A.

FIG. 6C depicts WPRC A transmitting another wireless beacon signal. Asdepicted in FIG. 6C, WPRC A may have changed position from that depictedin FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B. WPRC A may also transmit updated positioninformation and orientation information. In one embodiment, WPRC A maytransmit updated position information to WPTS 1 only, and WPTS 1 mayshare the updated position information with WPTS 2. A PQMA, which mayreside in any of WPTS 1, WPTS 2, WPRC A, or another entity not depictedmay detect that, for example, the position of WPRC A has changed andthat the pairing of WPTS 2 with WPRC A may be reevaluated. As depicted,in one embodiment, WPTS 1, WPTS 2, and WPRC A may share updated positioninformation and orientation information. The PQMA may aggregateinformation about the system of localized WPTSs and WPRCs to determinean optimal pairing. The PQMA may determine a predicted performance ofthe localized system for WPTS 2 paired with WPRC A and alternatively forWPTS 1 paired with WPRC A. As previously described, the PQMA may analyzeinformation such as position and orientation information of WPTS 1, WPTS2, and WPRC A, load demands on WPTS 1 and WPTS 2, and otherenvironmental factors to determine performance of the localized systemfor WPRC A paired with WPTS 1 and for WPRC A paired with WPTS 2.

FIG. 6D depicts WPTS 1 transmitting wireless power to WPRC A. In thisscenario, the PQMA may have determined that the localized system isoptimized with WPTS 1 paired with WPRC A rather than WPTS 2 based oncorresponding pairing quality metrics. Thus, the PQMA updates thelocalized system such that WPRC A is paired with WPTS 1 and WPTS 1 isnow responsible for wirelessly delivering power to WPRC A. As depictedin FIG. 6D, the position of WPRC A has changed from that depicted inFIG. 6A and FIG. 6B. In FIG. 6D, WPRC A is positioned closer to WPTS 1.By way of example, because WPRC A is positioned closer to WPTS 1 than toWPTS2, WPTS 1 may be able to deliver more wireless power to WPRC A.Thus, as depicted in FIG. 6D, WPTS 1 wirelessly delivers power to WPRCA.

FIGS. 7A-7D depict more example scenarios of two candidate WPTSs, WPTS 1and WPTS 2, serving a WPRC A, where an environmental change may affectwhich WPTS would optimally serve WPRC A. A PQMA may be included in WPTS1 and/or WPTS 2, in WPRC A, and/or in another entity not depicted suchas a cloud server. Additionally or alternatively, WPTS 1, WPTS 2, WPRCA, and/or another entity not depicted and their associated componentsmay be configured to act as a PQMA.

FIG. 7A depicts WPRC A transmitting a wireless beacon signal. Aspreviously mentioned, the wireless beacon signal may be omnidirectionalor directional. The WPRC A may also transmit updated positioninformation and orientation information. In one embodiment, WPRC A maytransmit updated position information to WPTS 2 only, and WPTS 2 mayshare the updated position information with WPTS 1. Additionally oralternatively, a WPTS may determine updated position information,orientation information, and environmental information fromcharacteristics of the beacon signal. For example, as depicted in FIG.7A, WPTS 2 may determine a location of a person based on characteristicsof the received beacon from WPRC A. It may be assumed that WPRC A ispaired with WPTS 2 through previously executed procedures. A PQMA maydetermine that the pairing of WPTS 2 with WPRC A may be reevaluated. Asdescribed above, the PQMA may be located in any of WPTS 1, WPTS 2, WPRCA, or another entity not depicted. The PQMA may reevaluate the pairingbased on detecting a triggering event has occurred. The triggering eventmay include any triggering event as described above, for example, achange in environmental conditions such as a position of a personrelative to a wireless signal path established between WPTS 2 and WPRCA. As depicted, in one embodiment, WPTS 1, WPTS 2, and WPRC A may shareupdated position information, orientation information, and environmentalinformation. The PQMA may aggregate information about the system oflocalized WPTSs and WPRCs to determine an optimal pairing. The PQMA isnot limited to be located in any one particular entity. Rather,depending on the location of the PQMA, information may be appropriatelyaggregated via signaling between the entities. The PQMA may determine apredicted performance of the localized system for WPTS 2 paired withWPRC A and alternatively for WPTS 1 paired with WPRC A. As previouslydescribed, the PQMA may analyze information such as position andorientation information of WPTS 1, WPTS 2, and WPRC A, load demands onWPTS 1 and WPTS 2, and other environmental factors to determineperformance of the localized system for WPRC A paired with WPTS 1 andfor WPRC A paired with WPTS 2.

WPTS 1 and WPTS 2 may be configured to each receive the beacon from WPRCA such that each can independently or collaboratively determine positioninformation, orientation information, and environmental informationassociated with WPRC A. For example, WPTS 1 may determine, based on thereceived beacon, that the person is in a line-of-sight path between WPTS1 and WPRC A. WPTS 2 may determine, based on the received beacon, thatthe person is favorably positioned away from a line-of-sight pathbetween WPTS2 and WPRC A. Additionally or alternatively, each of WPTS 1and WPTS 2 may transmit a trial wireless power transmission to WPRC A.In some embodiments, transmitting a trial wireless power transmissionmay include WPTS 1 pairing with WPRC A. WPTS 1 may receive a beacon fromWPRC A. WPTS 1 may transmit power back to WPRC Abased on the beacon.WPRC A may measure the power that is received from WPTS 1 to determinean amount of the power received from WPTS 1 and may provide powermeasurement information to a PQMA based on the measurement. A similarprocess may be executed by WPTS 2 and WPRC A. In some embodiments, WPTS2 may receive the beacon from WPRC A. Additionally or alternatively,WPTS 2 may receive a new beacon from WPRC A. WPTS 2 may transmit powerback to WPRC A based on the received beacon. WPRC A may measure thepower that is received from WPTS 2 to determine an amount of the powerreceived from WPTS 2 and may provide power measurement information tothe PQMA based on the measurement. Based on a comparison of transmittedpower by WPTS 1 and WPTS 2 versus the provided power measurementinformation, the PQMA may determine which WPTS is more optimal toprovide wireless power to WPRC A.

FIG. 7B depicts WPTS 2 transmitting wireless power to WPRC A. In thisscenario, the PQMA may have determined that the localized system isoptimized with WPTS 2 paired with WPRC A rather than WPTS 1 based oncorresponding pairing quality metrics. Thus, WPTS 2 remains paired withWPRC A and is responsible for wirelessly delivering power to WPRC A. Byway of example, because the person is depicted as being positionedbetween WPTS 1 and WPRC A and the person is not positioned between WPTS2 and WPRC A, WPTS 2 may be able to deliver more wireless power to WPRCA. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 7B, WPTS 2 wirelessly delivers power toWPRC A.

FIG. 7C depicts WPRC A transmitting another wireless beacon signal. Asdepicted in FIG. 7C, the person may have changed position from thatdepicted in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B. WPRC A may also transmit updatedposition information and orientation information. Additionally oralternatively, a WPTS may determine updated position information,orientation information, and environmental information fromcharacteristics of the beacon signal. For example, as depicted in FIG.7C, WPTS 2 may determine a person has moved between WPTS 2 and WPRC Abased on characteristics of the received beacon from WPRC A. Asdepicted, WPTS 1, WPTS 2, and WPRC A may share updated positioninformation, orientation information, environmental information orfactors, and trial power measurement information with WPTS 1. The PQMAmay aggregate information about the system of localized WPTSs and WPRCsto determine an optimal pairing. The PQMA may determine a predictedperformance of the localized system for WPTS 2 paired with WPRC A andalternatively for WPTS 1 paired with WPRC A. As previously described,the PQMA may analyze information such as position and orientationinformation of WPTS 1, WPTS 2, and WPRC A, load demands on WPTS 1 andWPTS 2, and other environmental factors to determine performance of thelocalized system for WPRC A paired with WPTS 1 and for WPRC A pairedwith WPTS 2. As also described above, the PQMA may determine a predictedwireless power delivery from WPTS 1 and WPTS 2 to WPRC A based onanalysis of the received beacon, and additionally or alternatively basedon a comparison of an amount of trial wireless power transmitted to anamount of wireless power received by WPRC A.

FIG. 7D depicts WPTS 2 transmitting wireless power to WPRC A. In thisscenario, the PQMA may have determined that the localized system isoptimized with WPTS 1 paired with WPRC A rather than WPTS 2 based oncorresponding pairing quality metrics. Thus, the PQMA updates thelocalized system such that WPRC A is paired with WPTS 1 and WPTS 1 isnow responsible for wirelessly delivering power to WPRC A. As depictedin FIG. 7D, the person changed position from that depicted in FIG. 7Aand FIG. 7B. In FIG. 7D, the person is now positioned between WPTS 2 andWPRC A. By way of example, because the person is depicted as beingpositioned between WPTS 2 and WPRC A and the person is not positionedbetween WPTS 1 and WPRC A, WPTS 1 may be able to deliver more wirelesspower to WPRC A Thus, as depicted in FIG. 7D, WPTS 1 wirelessly deliverspower to WPRC A.

Although FIGS. 5A-5D, 6A-6D, and 7A-7D depict two WPTSs and one WPRC,any number of WPTSs and WPRCs may be included in a localized system.Further, although a PQMA is depicted in all of WPTS 1, WPTS 2, and WPRCA, a PQMA may not be included in all and thus may only be included in asubset. As previously described, a PQMA may be included in anotherentity, such as a server, not depicted. In some embodiments, a PQMA maynot be included in WPTS 1, WPTS 2, and WPRC A. Additionally oralternatively, as also set forth above, a WPTS, a WPRC, or anotherentity and their associated components may be configured to act as aPQMA.

A WPRC may pair with a WPTS by transmitting an indication of anidentification of the WPRC to the WPTS. In turn, the WPTS may transmitan indication of an identification of the WPTS to the WPRC. In someembodiments, the WPTS may transmit an acknowledgement of the pairing tothe WPRC. The acknowledgement may be separate from the WPTSidentification or the WPTS identification may be an implicitacknowledgement of the pairing.

A WPTS may share power transfer rate information with another WPTS, witha WPRC, or with another entity such as a server. Power transfer rateinformation may include, for example, an average power, a real-timepower, and/or a peak power that may be transmitted to a particular WPRC.The WPTS may also share a percentage of time that the WPTS may be ableto transmit power to the WPRC. In this way, a WPTS may, for example,send an indication of a load demand on the WPTS. The WPTS may alsomeasure an amount of power that may be transmitted to the WPRC. The WPRCmay share received power capabilities with a WPTS. For example, the WPRCmay share an average and/or peak power receiving capability of the WPRC.The WPRC may also share a needed total power and/or a needed power rateto be received. The WPRC may also transmit an indication of how muchtime the WPRC may remain charged before running out of power. The WPRCmay also measure a received power from the WPTS and may share anindication of the amount of measured, received power from the WPTS.

A WPRC may determine orientation information with respect to one or moreWPTSs using an antenna array of the WPRC. For example, the WPRC mayinclude a 3×3 antenna array, and may determine from which direction atransmission from a WPTS is received. In some embodiments, the WPRC maydetermine from which direction the WPTS transmission is received byanalyzing a phase and/or signal strength of one or more signals receivedat each antenna element of the antenna array. The determined directionmay be used to determine the orientation of the WPRC relative to theWPTS.

In another embodiment, in addition to a PQMA evaluating a currentpairing and at least one alternate pairing for a localized system, aPQMA may receive a proposed pairing for the localized system. Theproposed pairing may be received from another PQMA, which may reside ina WPTS, a WPRC, or another entity such as a server. The PQMA mayevaluate the proposed pairing for the localized system and may accept orreject the proposed pairing. The PQMA may additionally or alternativelymodify the proposed pairing and may send back the modified, proposedpairing for approval.

Description of the above embodiments includes sharing updatedinformation. In one embodiment, the updated information may betransmitted as a delta from a last known state. Thus, updatedinformation may be transmitted in a more efficient manner wherein onlychanges in information may be transmitted.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram depicting an example method 800 that may beperformed by a WPRC, a WPTS, or another entity such as a server. A PQMAmay be included in any of the WPRC, WPTS, or another entity or the WPRC,WPTS, or another entity and their respective components may beconfigured to perform method 800. Step 810 includes determiningrespective one or more pairing quality metrics for a WPRC paired to eachof at least two WPTSs of a localized system. A pairing quality metricmay indicate a relative performance of the localized system if it wereto operate with an associated WPTS-WPRC pairing. As described above, apairing quality metric may be based on a location and orientation of aWPRC, a location and orientation of any WPTSs in the localized system, aload demand on any of the WPTSs of the localized system, environmentalconditions, etc. Step 820 includes selecting a WPTS with which to pairthe WPRC based on the respective one or more pairing quality metrics. Ifthe selected WPTS is not the same as the WPTS currently paired to theWPRC, the WPTS may communicate with the currently paired WPTS and theWPRC so that the WPRC updates its pairing to the selected WPTS. Step 820includes the selected WPTS transmitting wireless power to the WPRC.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram depicting an example method 900 that may beperformed by a WPRC, a WPTS, or another entity such as a server. A PQMAmay be included in any of the WPRC, WPTS, or another entity or the WPRC,WPTS, or another entity and their respective components may beconfigured to perform method 900. Step 910 includes pairing a WPRC witheach WPTS of at least two WPTSs of a localized system and measuring apower received by the WPRC. Step 920 includes assessing a performance ofthe localized system based on the different pairings. Step 930 includespairing the WPRC with the WPTS of the at least two WPTSs of thelocalized system that results in an optimal performance for thelocalized system. In the event the selected WPRC-WPTS pairing thatresults in an optimal performance for the localized system is the sameas a current pairing, the WPRC-WPTS pairing may be maintained.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram depicting an example method 1000 that may beperformed by a WPTS. A PQMA may be included in the WPTS or the WPTS andits respective components may be configured to perform method 1000. Step1010 includes determining a first pairing quality metric associated witha first pairing of a first WPTS with a WPRC of a localized system. Step1020 includes receiving a second pairing quality metric associated witha second pairing of a second WPTS with the WPRC. Step 1030 includesselecting one of the first WPTS or the second WPTS based on the firstpairing quality metric and the second pairing quality metric. If thefirst WPTS is selected, at 1041, the first WPTS transmits wireless powerto the WPRC. If the second WPTS is selected, at 1042, the second WPTStransmits wireless power to the WPRC.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram depicting an example method 1100 that may beperformed by a WPRC, a WPTS, or another entity such as a server. A PQMAmay be included in any of the WPRC, WPTS, or another entity or the WPRC,WPTS, or another entity and their respective components may beconfigured to perform method 1100. Step 1110 includes pairing a WPTSwith a WPRC. The WPTS-WPRC pairing may be optimal at the time ofpairing, wherein the particular WPTS is best suited to provide wirelesspower to the WPRC. Step 1120 includes detecting an event. As describedabove, an event may include a detection that information upon which theWPTS was selected to be paired with the WPRC has become stale. Forexample, stale information may be a result of a change in position ofthe WPRC, a change in orientation of the WPRC, a change in position ofany WPTS of the localized system, a change in orientation of any WPTS ofthe localized system, a change in a power need of the WPRC, a change inpower delivering capability of any WPTS of the localized system, achange in how WPTSs of the localized system are paired with WPRCs, achange in a power need of at least one other WPRC of the localizedsystem, or a timer may have expired to trigger a reassessment of thepairing. Step 1130 includes determining a pairing quality metric for thecurrent pairing and also determining a pairing quality metric for atleast one other pairing. Step 1140 includes updating the pairing basedon the determined respective pairing quality metrics. As describedabove, a pairing quality metric may indicate a performance of alocalized system of WPTSs and WPRCs when an associated WPTS-WPRC pairingis executed. In step 1140, it is preferable that the pairing associatedwith the most optimal pairing quality metric is selected.

It should be noted that the example methods and particular order ofsteps depicted in FIGS. 8-11 are not meant to be limiting. The steps asdepicted in FIGS. 8-11 may be rearranged, combined, omitted,sub-divided, or otherwise modified and still fall within the scope ofthe embodiments described herein.

Although features and elements are described above in particularcombinations, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that eachfeature or element can be used alone or in any combination with theother features and elements. In addition, the methods described hereinmay be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmwareincorporated in a computer-readable medium for execution by a computeror processor. Examples of computer-readable media include electronicsignals (transmitted over wired or wireless connections) andcomputer-readable storage media. Examples of computer-readable storagemedia include, but are not limited to, a read only memory (ROM), arandom access memory (RAM), a register, cache memory, semiconductormemory devices, magnetic media such as internal hard disks and removabledisks, magneto-optical media, and optical media such as CD-ROM disks,and digital versatile disks (DVDs). A processor in association withsoftware may be used to implement a WPTS or WPRC.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method performed by a wireless power receiverclient (WPRC) comprising: receiving an indication of a first wirelesspower transmission system (WPTS) or a second WPTS with which to pair,wherein the indication is based on a first pairing quality metricassociated with a first pairing with the first WPTS of a localizedsystem and at least a second pairing quality metric associated with asecond pairing with the second WPTS of the localized system; andreceiving wireless power from the first WPTS or the second WPTS based onthe indication.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first pairingquality metric is based on a power need of the WPRC.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first pairing quality metric and the second pairingquality metric are based on position and orientation information of theWPRC.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first pairing quality metricis based on position and orientation information of the first WPTS. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein the first pairing quality metric is basedon information indicating how WPTSs of the localized system are pairedwith WPRCs.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving anupdated indication on a condition that an event has occurred.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein the event includes a change in position ofthe WPRC, a change in orientation of the WPRC, a change in position ofany WPTS of the localized system, a change in orientation of any WPTS ofthe localized system, a change in a power need of the WPRC, a change inpower delivering capability of any WPTS of the localized system, achange in how WPTSs of the localized system are paired with WPRCs, or achange in a power need of at least one other WPRC of the localizedsystem.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a firsttrial power transmission from the first WPTS; determining a first amountof the first trial power transmission received from the first WPTS;receiving a second trial power transmission from the second WPTS;determining a second amount of the second trial power transmissionreceived from the second WPTS; and transmitting a first trial powerindication indicating the first amount and a second trial powerindication indicating the second amount; wherein the indication of thefirst WPTS or the second WPTS is based on the first trial powerindication and the second trial power indication.
 9. A non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium storing instructions thereon that, whenexecuted, cause an apparatus to: receive an indication of a firstwireless power transmission system (WPTS) or a second WPTS with which topair, wherein the indication is based on a first pairing quality metricassociated with a first pairing with the first WPTS of a localizedsystem and at least a second pairing quality metric associated with asecond pairing with the second WPTS of the localized system; and receivewireless power from the first WPTS or the second WPTS based on theindication.
 10. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium ofclaim 9, wherein the first pairing quality metric is based on a powerneed of the apparatus.
 11. The non-transitory computer readable storagemedium of claim 9, wherein the first pairing quality metric and thesecond pairing quality metric are based on position and orientationinformation of the apparatus.
 12. The non-transitory computer readablestorage medium of claim 9, wherein the first pairing quality metric isbased on position and orientation information of the first WPTS.
 13. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein thefirst pairing quality metric is based on information indicating howWPTSs of the localized system are paired with wireless power receiverclients.
 14. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium ofclaim 9, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause theapparatus to: receive an updated indication on a condition that an eventhas occurred.
 15. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium ofclaim 9, wherein the event includes a change in position of theapparatus, a change in orientation of the apparatus, a change inposition of any WPTS of the localized system, a change in orientation ofany WPTS of the localized system, a change in a power need of theapparatus, a change in power delivering capability of any WPTS of thelocalized system, a change in how WPTSs of the localized system arepaired with wireless power receiver clients, or a change in a power needof at least one other wireless power receiver client of the localizedsystem.
 16. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storinginstructions thereon that, when executed, cause an apparatus to:determine a first pairing quality metric associated with a first pairingwith a first wireless power transmission system (WPTS) of a localizedsystem; determine a second pairing quality metric associated with asecond pairing with a second WPTS of the localized system; and selectone of the first WPTS or the second WPTS based on the first pairingquality metric and the second pairing quality metric; and receivewireless power from the selected one of the first WPTS or the secondWPTS.
 17. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim16, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatusto: determine the first pairing quality metric based on a power need ofthe apparatus.
 18. The non-transitory computer readable storage mediumof claim 16, wherein the first pairing quality metric and the secondpairing quality metric are based on position and orientation informationof the apparatus.
 19. The non-transitory computer readable storagemedium of claim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed, furthercause the apparatus to: determine the first pairing quality metric basedon position and orientation information of the first WPTS.
 20. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein theinstructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to: determinethe first pairing quality metric based on information indicating howWPTSs of the localized system are paired with wireless power receiverclients.
 21. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium ofclaim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause theapparatus to: determine an updated pairing quality metric on a conditionthat an event has occurred.
 22. The non-transitory computer readablestorage medium of claim 21, wherein the event includes a change inposition of the apparatus, a change in orientation of the apparatus, achange in position of any WPTS of the localized system, a change inorientation of any WPTS of the localized system, a change in a powerneed of the apparatus, a change in power delivering capability of anyWPTS of the localized system, a change in how WPTSs of the localizedsystem are paired with wireless power receiver clients, or a change in apower need of at least one other wireless power receiver client of thelocalized system.
 23. The non-transitory computer readable storagemedium of claim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed, furthercause the apparatus to: receive a first trial power transmission fromthe first WPTS; determine a first amount of the first trial powertransmission received from the first WPTS; receive a second trial powertransmission from the second WPTS; determine a second amount of thesecond trial power transmission received from the second WPTS; anddetermine the first pairing quality metric and the second pairingquality based on the determined first amount and the determined secondamount.